Note: I will not be referring to the female protagonist by Hamuko or Minako because I've never really liked calling her that. I will refer to her as Hitomi Kotone.
Summary: Theo requests to visit Paulownia Mall and our heroine happily obliges. There are mix ups and questions surface as she tries to figure out if her companion's sanity is entirely intact. If she would've known that accepting a first date with him would be this strange, she might've just refused.
Character(s): Hitomi Kotone (Female Protagonist) and Theodore
Chapter I: Unexpected First Date
April 30th
Theo had informed Hitomi that she would now be able to accept quests from him. She'd been told that accomplishing quests would yield rewards which could aid her greatly. She'd sat there, looking over the list before selecting one that seemed fairly easy. It was a request from Theo to be shown around Paulownia Mall. She didn't pay much attention to the reward, given the fact how giddy she'd become. She wanted to show Theo the place she spent so much time in nowadays due to her part-time job. She handed him back the list and smiled happily at him, forgetting that Igor was just a few feet away from them.
"Theo, I'd like to go on our date now if it's possible." She stated as she gazed at him expectantly.
Igor blinked and his eyes widened more than usual. He hadn't expected his honored guest to have any interest in fulfilling a petty request from his assistant. He wanted to advice her against it but found that he had no right to do so. Theodore did have his free will as did she, so who was he to tell them what they could and could not do together? He fully trusted that Theo would not breach the servant and master relationship. After all, one measly date was nothing to get worked up about.
Theo's eyes brightened, clearly delighted she'd asked so soon. "Thank you very much." He then bowed lightly to her and gestured for her to go on ahead. "Well then, please lead the way."
"Certainly. We'll be back later, Igor." She called out cheerfully as she waved at the long nosed gentleman.
"Yes, yes, take your time." Igor replied and waved them off with one hand.
Hitomi grinned like the cheshire cat and took Theo's hand, tugging him to the door and exiting the Velvet Room.
They stood at the back of the corridor, the Velvet Room door glowing behind them. She released his hand and began to walk towards the opening, Theo following closely behind. Once out of the corridor, she paused and turned to face him. Theo was already turning his head in all directions, taking in all the sights already.
"So this is Paulownia Mall..." He stated softly and walked up to stand beside her.
She grinned more and propped her left hand on her hip. "Yup! This is Paulownia Mall, the hangout spot for us Gekkoukan students. It's super flashy and everything here practically screams for you to look at it."
"... Indeed, it's exactly as I imagined." He breathed softly and his golden eyes glimmered with excitement.
She couldn't help but giggle upon noticing his mood. "Are you excited to be here, Theo?"
He scoffed and composed himself, seeming quite stoic when he responded even though he mumbled his response. "I'm not easily amused."
She grinned more and crossed her arms behind her back before she started rocking back and forth on her heels. "Really? Because it sure looks like you're super excited~" She teased.
Theo's pale cheeks became a faint pink for a few brief moments. Hitomi giggled and spun in circles around him while clapping her hands together. He stood uncomfortably in his spot as she seemingly taunted him with her little routine. He desperately needed a distraction of some sort to get her to stop. He glanced around and noticed something worth investigating. He curiously pointed towards his interest, causing Hitomi to halt in her tracks. She blinked and looked at him, waiting to see what had his attention.
"What is that over there?" He asked as he pointed to the water fountain.
She blinked again and her gaze followed in the direction he was pointing. "Huh?" She stared in the general direction he was pointing before she turned to face him. "What? You mean that?" She asked as she jabbed her thumb over her shoulder, pointing at the water fountain.
"An aqueous duct in a place like this...?" He inquired as he walked up to it at a fast pace.
"Wait, a what now?" She asked as she struggled to try and match his steps without having to jog.
She knew he'd referred to it as some water related object but she hadn't quite caught his words. Theo was standing by the fountain, gazing down at the water. She approached him and stood by his side, gazing up at him inquisitively.
"The dwellers of this world must get thirsty easily." He mused.
She deadpanned then stared at him incredulously. "Are you serious? You can't be serious... If you're serious then that means that I'm a unicorn." She then crossed her arms over her chest.
Theo blinked and frowned. "I know it's true purpose, of course." He mumbled.
"Oh really? Well, by all means, enlighten me." She taunted and spread her arms out to her side slowly, smiling mischievously.
He straightened himself out, standing like a soldier at attention. His chest was puffed out and chin raised up high. His pose screamed his confidence. "Why... It's meant to wash ones hands!" He proudly declared.
She used all her strength of will not to burst out laughing. "That's not it..." She whispered.
His posture became more rigid but the corners of his lips turned upwards into a small smile. "It was only my small joke."
"That was a terrible joke. You have to work on your comedy routine." She stated and gazed up at him, wondering why she got the feeling he was a terribly terrible liar.
"My apologies, I'll be sure to work on this during my spare time between the tasks that my Master assigns for me and the time I spend assisting you. I'll do my best to learn how to tell jokes on your behalf, our most honored guest." He stated as he placed a hand over his heart and gave a light bow.
Hitomi giggled and reached out to touch his upper arm as a way to comfort him. "Don't worry, I know next time you'll have some good jokes to tell me."
He smirked as he met her gaze from the corner of his eyes. "Of course, I'd hate to disappoint our esteemed guest." He then stared at the fountain again. "So... What's it actually for?"
She smiled and shook her head.
"N-not that I don't know what's it for!" He quickly added. "I absolutely know what it is for but I'm testing you. I wish to see the extent of your knowledge."
She decided to play along because she wanted to spare humiliating him. It would probably be smart to keep him happy unless she wanted to create an unpleasant atmosphere in the Velvet Room. She cleared her throat and looked like a child prepared to answer a teacher's question. "This is a piece of scenery that brings a sense of serenity to those who gaze upon it." She was probably overselling it but she'd made it sound as interesting as Theo thought it to be.
"A bit of scenery...?" He whispered as he frowned. He seemed to be deep in thought about the issue. "I see..." He looked distraught.
Hitomi gazed at him worriedly and began to reach out to touch his arm again but froze when he abruptly walked away from her side. It seemed his attention was piqued by something else.
"Hm...?" He began to walk off while Hitomi practically chased after him. He stopped before its doors, gazing at the building. "And what, pray tell, is this facility here?"
She stopped when she was standing next to him, gazing at the building as well. They were standing in front of the Police Station. Her lips formed a pout as she wondered if Theo actually wanted to set foot inside. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to handle having to answer Theo's odd questions in front of Officer Kurosawa. She turned to face Theo, only to realize he'd wandered off again. Thankfully, this time he'd only wandered a few steps away from her. He was standing in front of the poster board outside the station, staring intently at it. She walked up to him and curiously tilted her head to the side as she waited for Theo to ask her more questions.
"These photographs... Most wanted ...Reward...?" He mumbled under his breath as his brows knit together thoughtfully. After a few more moments, he mused his thoughts aloud. "I see... So the concept of subjugation requests is not unknown here..."
She paled and pondered her words carefully before she responded. "Ummm... Theo, we don't kill them. That's a serious crime."
He remained thoughtful for a moment before his face brightened. "Ah? In that case, you must have to capture them alive... Only a skilled Hunter could accomplish it." He deducted and nodded triumphantly.
She smiled when he grasped the concept that wanted individuals were not to be executed but instead apprehended. "Yeah, that's why they offer rewards, usually large sums of money. It's an incentive for people to want to cooperate with the police and insurance that the individual will be brought to justice for the crimes they've committed."
"If there are hunters of such talent in this world as well, I may want to make a few requests of my own..." He stated as he cupped his chin with one hand and pondered the idea.
Hitomi stood by his side, eyes wide and lips slightly parted in shock. Was Theo considering replacing her? Would he really bring in an ordinary human into the world that involved the Dark Hour and Shadows?
Theo turned his head when he sensed that his esteemed guest was distressed. He blinked when he saw her expression, interpreting that he'd offended her. He flashed her his signature charming smile before he spoke in the softest tone of voice he could manage whilst placing his hand upon his heart. "... But on second thought, perhaps not, I already have you, our finest guest, for that."
Her cheeks turned crimson and he couldn't help but chuckle under his breath at the sight. She was a bit flustered after hearing his words so she abruptly turned on her heel, cupping her cheeks with her hands. She wanted to make sure she composed herself before facing him again. Theo took this opportunity to look for another place worth investigating. He froze when he caught sight of a building towards the edge of the mall.
"Hm...? What is that?" He asked himself before he promptly dashed off.
The sound of fading footsteps caused Hitomi to spin around. She gasped as she saw Theo in the distance and stomped her foot down in frustration. He'd ditched her once again and she was beginning to feel he'd keep doing this. Perhaps she'd have to invest in a collar and leash to keep him close. She sighed softly before she took off after him. She caught up to him and crossed her arms over her chest, pouting as she stared at his back.
"Theo, you ditched me..." She grumbled but he didn't seem to hear her.
"This... Could this be the "club" of rumor...?" He asked softly as Hitomi walked up to stand at his side, gazing up at him. He seemed utterly entranced by the sight of Club Escapade.
She blinked rapidly as his words sank in. "You know about it?" She asked incredulously, shocked that a being not from her dimension would know about such a place.
"Yes, I heard no end of it..." He responded and she could've sworn she saw his eyes twinkling with joy. "I've heard tell of: "Dancers, dictated by the sway of ones inner passions... A subterranean garden of inhibited spectacle." A truly marvelous sight to behold and worth investigating." He continued and turned to gaze at her.
"Wow... The way you describe it is spot on but your words paint a better picture than how it actually is." She stated and gave him a small smile. She'd actually ventured in before though it had taken quite a bit of sneaking to not be caught. "But I guess you know all that firsthand, huh?"
Theo's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink before he glanced at the floor. "Although I know of this place... this marks my first time seeing it in person." He admitted and his expression was like that of a child who'd seen the ending of a movie but not the movie itself: he knew more than he should've but had yet to experience it himself.
"Don't worry, you and I will experience this together." She stated with a bright smile, causing Theo's cheeks to flush pink again.
"Well then, let us venture in..." He declared as he marched up to the door.
Her smile faltered. "Wait! Theo! It's—!" She'd begun to say but was cut off.
"It's closed?!" Theo exclaimed as he stopped right before the door, gazing at the sign that read Closed in bright red letters. "This can't be..." He whispered under his breath.
"Yeah... They open after seven and close at five in the morning." She explained.
"It seems... I have no choice but to turn back..." He whispered as he slowly walked back to her.
She noticed that Theo was tearing up slightly, obviously heartbroken they would not be able to experience the club he'd heard so much about. She didn't doubt that he'd cry about this if she didn't do something. She bit her lower lip as she glanced around, trying to get an idea. If Theo was like a grown up version of a kid then maybe a kid friendly environment would pull him out of his funk. She smiled brightly when she noticed the glowing sign of Game Panic, the mall's game arcade. She turned to face Theo and clasped her hands behind her back, lightly inclining her head to the right.
"Hey, Theo, how about we check out the arcade?"
"Ar...cade...?" He mumbled softly as he slowly met her gaze. He blinked back his tears and frowned slightly. "A series of arches?"
She giggled and shook her head. "Not quite."
His interest was piqued but he was still sulking. "All right, let us investigate."
"Great! Follow me!"
She smiled brightly and took his hand, tugging on it as she took off running towards the arcade. Theo stumbled forward and reached up to secure his hat as he began to run with her. He allowed her to lead him across the mall to the opposite end while stealing glances of her. She seemed to be in a very joyous mood so suddenly. He smiled a little but quickly hid it when she turned to grin at him. They reached the arcade and she released his hand, leaving Theo to feel a bit strange. They wandered inside and she practically skipped towards one of the machines, standing in front of it and waving him over excitedly. He slowly approached her and eyed the machine wearily.
"What is this?"
"It's one of my favorite games." She replied and began inserting yen in both slots. She then picked up the red gun and handed him the blue gun. "The goal is to shoot the gunmen but not the civilians. The winner depends on who gets the most kills and harms the less civilians."
Theo took the gun and frowned slightly before he stared at the screen. "I see... A game that tests morality and reaction time."
"Ummm... Yes?" She answered and gasped as she nudged his side. "Shoot! It's started! Go! Go! Go!" She hollered before she took aim with both hands.
Hitomi was firing off rapidly, turning using her hips and keeping both hands steady on her gun. She didn't blink when she fired her shots but she did noticeably cringe when she accidentally hit civilians. Theo was frowning as he fired his gun, finding it difficult to aim and having a slow reaction time. Most of his intended kills were stolen by Hitomi. He couldn't help but admire how focused she was, becoming distracted and losing two of his lives. They managed to clear two levels together before he ran out of lives. Hitomi played two more levels on her own until she lost all her lives. She'd grumbled when Game Over flashed on the screen but when they read over their scores, they'd discovered that Hitomi had scored a ninety-four percent though her lowest score had been an eighty-seven.
"Hitomi-san, I am impressed. Your precision skills are exemplary."
Her cheeks flushed crimson at his compliment and she glanced at her feet. "Thank you, Theo."
"I must ask how it is you remain so calm when firing that thing."
She blinked and slowly met his gaze for a few brief moments before she looked down at the gun she used for the game. She ran her finger across it slowly as she muttered under her breath. "I guess... It's because I'm a Persona user. I mean, I aim a gun to my head every time I summon my Persona. I have to be fearless otherwise... How could I fight? I have to be able to take aim and pull the trigger without thinking about it. All I should think about is that I want to survive when I pull that trigger."
Theo gazed at her for a few moments, taking note of that pained look in her crimson eyes. He cleared his throat and spoke softly. "Shall we see what else piques my interest? I may be able to practice making a joke out of it."
She released a small giggle and turned around to gaze up at him. "Doubtful you'll get that good so fast."
"Oh, do I sense a challenge from our esteemed guest?" He inquired as a playful smirk spread across his lips.
"Perhaps." She replied and smiled as she walked past him.
Theo exhaled a soft sigh of relief, glad to see that the pained look in her eyes was gone for now. He then followed after her and almost bumped into her when they walked out of the arcade. He gazed at the crane game as he wondered what sort of machine this one was. He felt someone's gaze upon him and turned to gaze down at Hitomi before he gazed back at the machine. The question danced across his tongue but he dared not ask it. He didn't want to look foolish for not knowing. Hitomi patiently waited, knowing that Theo wanted to ask about it. He finally caved in to his curiosity and mustered up his courage to inquire of the mysterious machine.
"Pray tell, what is this machine?"
"This is what we call a crane game." She explained with a smile.
"You say this is a... "Bird controlling game"...? Most unusual..." He mumbled as he gazed at it. There were many colorful beings littering half of the machine's glass walls in a large pile. "The things inside this case... Those are birds...?" He asked under his breath before he frowned. "They look to my eyes more like stuffed animals made of cloth..."
"It's because that's what they are but we just call them stuffed animals. They're modeled after real animals but sometimes they'll thrown in some random ones like dinosaurs and unicorns for the kiddies."
"Is this, then, a simulator to practice catching real cranes...?" He asked softly before he immersed himself in deep thought.
"I don't think that's what they're for but..." She trailed off when she realized she was being ignored. She sighed softly and waited for Theo to gather his bearings.
He couldn't wrap his mind around the thought that the game was simulator for the practice of catching real cranes. What purpose did cranes serve for humans? Was the feat of catching one so arduous they had to devise such machines? Was it to train every human to catch a crane? He slowly pulled himself from his thoughts when realized that he'd probably kept Hitomi waiting for too long. He blinked rapidly then took a moment to assess her facial expression. She seemed to be lost in thought as well but he feared she'd grow angry with him if he wandered off on his own without warning. He cleared his throat to catch her attention before he spoke.
"Ah... Excuse me, I note another aquatic pool over here." He stated and gestured in the direction of his interest but waited to see the look on her face.
"Huh?" She asked softly and met his gaze before she followed it. It seemed something else had caught his attention but this time he was informing her before he took off. She smiled softly as she met his gaze again. "Okay. You go on ahead, I'll catch up."
"As you wish." He gave a light bow before he headed towards the fountain in the corner of Paulownia Mall.
She pulled out her pink cellphone and flipped it open, glancing at the time briefly before she closed it. She tucked it back into the inner pocket of her Gekkoukan blazer before she made her way towards Theo. She stood by his side as usual but a little ways aside after she noticed that he seemed restless for some reason. Had she angered or offended him? Perhaps he felt pressured for time. He began to pace around slightly as he glanced around, causing Hitomi to worry. She was about to ask if something was bothering him when he abruptly stuck his hand into the water. She jumped and glanced around worriedly, hoping no one had caught him doing such a thing. Thankfully, there was no one around. She breathed a sigh of relief as Theo slowly pulled his hand back out and shook it. He then pulled a handkerchief from his blazer and dried his hand off before tucking it back into his blazer. He slowly pulled his white glove back on as he smirked.
"It's eight degrees Celsius."
She blinked and stared at him in shock. "Whoa... You can tell?"
"Of course I can." He stated and smiled proudly.
"You seem to have hidden talents, don't you, Theo?" She asked as she curiously tilted her head to the side.
"I suppose so..." He muttered and avoided meeting her gaze.
"In that case, I hope to see more of them." She stated and smiled cheerfully, causing Theo's cheeks to tinge with a light pink.
"Errr... Shall we be on our way? I'd hate to keep you out for too late..." He mumbled as he tried to regain his composure.
She slowly pulled her cellphone out again and flipped it open, eyeing the time. "You're right, it's already sundown." She closed it and tucked it back into her hidden pocket. "Let's head back then."
Theo smiled and nodded before they made their way to the Velvet Room. They wandered into the dimly lit corridor that ran beneath Mandragora Karaoke Bar. They stopped outside the Velvet Door and Hitomi noticed the thoughtful look upon Theo's face. He seemed to want to say something and it was obvious he was having difficulty selecting his words. After a few moments, he spoke up.
"This world has it's charms though I'll admit that I believe it has one peculiar charm that I find very special..." He met her gaze before he continued. "I... Would relish the chance to visit it again sometime. Thank you very much for today."
Hitomi's cheeks flushed crimson as she felt she'd understood the meaning of his words. She then yanked the door open and shoved Theo inside.
"S-sorry! I'll be in there shortly!"
She then slammed the door closed and buried her face in her hands, wondering if she was going to be this flustered in every one of their possible upcoming dates. She decided she'd wait a few moments before she walked in to claim her reward.
